HomeThe George Washington University’s Principles of Support for Undocumented Students

The George Washington University’s Principles of Support for Undocumented Students

The George Washington University is committed to the health and safety of all our students.

December 09, 2016

The George Washington University is committed to the health and safety of all our students. In November, President Steven Knapp joined more than 180 college and university presidents across the country to show support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He also urged GW students and all members of our community to continue to respect our differences, maintain civility and celebrate our diversity.

In that spirit, the university reaffirms its commitment to support our undocumented students, safeguard student records and provide legal services when appropriate. We will protect the civil rights of our undocumented students following the principles outlined below.

1. The university will continue to provide information on how to apply to GW and request financial aid as an undocumented person. The university has not and will not require that admitted students provide proof of citizenship or that current students disclose if they are undocumented.2. The university will assist its undocumented students through the GW Law School’s immigration law clinic.3. Confidential student records regarding immigration status of undocumented students will not be released without a warrant, subpoena or other court order, unless authorized by the student.4. Students will not be questioned, held or arrested by the George Washington University Police Department (GWPD) on the basis of immigration status alone.5. University police officers will not participate in joint immigration enforcement efforts with other law enforcement officials unless required by law.

The university’s commitment to our undocumented students is inseparable from our commitment to the safety and success of all GW students.